The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act becomes law on 6 April (2016). It is intended to improve the well-being of people who need care and support. It also applies to carers who need support. It will change the way local authority social services, the NHS and other care services work to help and support people, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

The way people’s needs are assessed will change, as will the way services are delivered. It is intended that people will have more say in how their services are delivered. This will be done by working together to look at what is important to the individual, focussing on their strengths, as well as other resources they may have including family/friend support and access to local community resources.

What it is supposed to deliver:

Services available to provide the right support at the right time

More information and advice

Assessment that is simpler and proportionate

Carers having an equal right to be assessed for support

Stronger powers to keep people safe from abuse and neglect

The changes will allow social services to assess and adjust the care and services they provide as the needs of each person change, rather than providing care based on a single closed assessment.

What should social services consider when assessing your well-being?

Physical and mental health and emotional well-being

Protection from abuse and neglect

Education, training and recreation

Domestic, family and personal relationships

Contributions made to society

Securing rights and entitlements

Social and economic well-being

Suitability of living accommodation

For an adult, well-being also includes:

Control over day to day life

Participation to work

What this means for a CARER. You are recognised as a carer if you are a relative, friend or neighbour.

We would love to hear about your experience with the new service. If we get enough feedback about how the introduction is proceeding, we can provide constructive feedback though one of our committee members, who is on the Gwent Citizens’ panel, monitoring the progress of the change. We want to hear about the good things as well as those things that could have gone better. Please use our contact form to provide feedback.

If you would like more information/detail about the impact or implementation of the Social Services & Well-being Act there is an Information and Learning hub website provided by the Care Council for Wales: “Getting in on the Act”.